The inquiry highlights concerns regarding Disney's DEI programs, reflecting a broader trend of media companies facing pressure from the government.
Disney Under Scrutiny: FCC Launches Investigation into Diversity Practices
Disney Under Scrutiny: FCC Launches Investigation into Diversity Practices
The FCC is investigating Disney's compliance with diversity and inclusion regulations amid growing political scrutiny.
Disney is now under investigation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, following allegations that the company may not be adhering to government regulations. This move was initiated by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who informed Disney and its ABC News unit of the examination in a letter sent on Friday. Carr expressed concerns that Disney's approach to promoting diversity could be deemed non-compliant with federal regulations.
A Disney spokesperson confirmed that the company is reviewing the correspondence and is dedicated to cooperating with the commission to address its inquiries. Carr's investigation is part of a larger backlash against DEI practices initiated by the Trump administration, which has affected not only U.S. companies but also international firms with American contracts. Recently, the U.S. embassy in France contacted French companies, urging them to comply with Trump’s executive order prohibiting DEI programs for all U.S. government suppliers, regardless of where they operate.
In his letter to Disney CEO Robert Iger, Carr emphasized the necessity for the media giant to remove any "discriminatory initiatives," calling for clarity on whether Disney's actions, either ongoing or recently discontinued, adhered to FCC regulations. Carr, a member of the FCC since 2017 and appointed by Trump, has been intensifying scrutiny over media firms by launching inquiries into NPR, PBS, and soliciting information from major tech companies affecting news article rankings.
The examination of Disney's DEI practices occurs amidst previous changes the company made to its diversity policies earlier this year, suggesting ongoing challenges in overcoming scrutiny. Carr communicated that concerns remain despite reports indicating that Disney has retracted some of its DEI initiatives. He specifically stated the need for information on the representation of diversity within Disney's characters and other projects, ensuring compliance with equal employment opportunity regulations.
Disney has encountered political challenges in the past, notably settling a $15 million defamation lawsuit with Donald Trump due to statements made by an ABC anchor. Tensions also erupted between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis after the company criticized legislation, referred to as the "Don't Say Gay" law, restricting discussions of sexuality in schools. The media giant has faced backlash from conservative critics for alleged "woke" messaging in its entertainment content, as the debate over DEI continues to polarize opinions in the U.S.
A Disney spokesperson confirmed that the company is reviewing the correspondence and is dedicated to cooperating with the commission to address its inquiries. Carr's investigation is part of a larger backlash against DEI practices initiated by the Trump administration, which has affected not only U.S. companies but also international firms with American contracts. Recently, the U.S. embassy in France contacted French companies, urging them to comply with Trump’s executive order prohibiting DEI programs for all U.S. government suppliers, regardless of where they operate.
In his letter to Disney CEO Robert Iger, Carr emphasized the necessity for the media giant to remove any "discriminatory initiatives," calling for clarity on whether Disney's actions, either ongoing or recently discontinued, adhered to FCC regulations. Carr, a member of the FCC since 2017 and appointed by Trump, has been intensifying scrutiny over media firms by launching inquiries into NPR, PBS, and soliciting information from major tech companies affecting news article rankings.
The examination of Disney's DEI practices occurs amidst previous changes the company made to its diversity policies earlier this year, suggesting ongoing challenges in overcoming scrutiny. Carr communicated that concerns remain despite reports indicating that Disney has retracted some of its DEI initiatives. He specifically stated the need for information on the representation of diversity within Disney's characters and other projects, ensuring compliance with equal employment opportunity regulations.
Disney has encountered political challenges in the past, notably settling a $15 million defamation lawsuit with Donald Trump due to statements made by an ABC anchor. Tensions also erupted between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis after the company criticized legislation, referred to as the "Don't Say Gay" law, restricting discussions of sexuality in schools. The media giant has faced backlash from conservative critics for alleged "woke" messaging in its entertainment content, as the debate over DEI continues to polarize opinions in the U.S.
